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Evidence-Based Supplement Research
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Vitamin D and Reduced LDL Cholesterol

Research synthesisLow evidenceSmall effect5 studies · 2 beneficial · 3 neutral · 0 harmful

Across 5 studies on vitamin D for reducing LDL cholesterol, 2 reported beneficial effects while 3 found neutral results; the predominant effect size was small. No clear dose range emerged, as many studies did not specify doses. Effects were typically assessed at around 6 weeks (median 42 days). Evidence differs by population, with modest benefit seen in clinical groups (women with gestational diabetes), but neutral findings in children with obesity and patients with fatty liver disease.

  • Studied populations: clinical populations (women with gestational diabetes mellitus; patients with diabetes and prediabetes)

Caveats: Many of the included studies did not reach statistical significance — effect may be smaller than the predominant direction suggests. Evidence base is small (only 5 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary. The only trial showing a moderate beneficial effect used co-administration with evening primrose oil, making it unclear whether vitamin D alone drives the reduction.

Generated Jun 14, 2026
Doses used in studies
  • IU/day: 1,000 (median 1,000, IQR 1,000–1,000) — 1 study
Time to effect
Median: 6 weeks · IQR 6 weeks–6 weeks · Range 6 weeks–6 weeks — Reported in 1 of 5 studies
5 of 5 papers
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